They are at times the heart and soul of a local community - a place to congregate, meet up with friends or make some new ones; be it colourful or everlasting.
But as young generations tend to avoid going out or heading to a pub or a bar, we are seeing many of those beloved establishments call time on their place in the city - and for many readers of the Yorkshire Evening Post, they have their fond memories of ‘boozers’ loved and lost over time.
We took to our Facebook page once again to ask you, the readers of the Yorkshire Evening Post, which pubs that ceased trading are among those that are the most missed in the city.
The answers ranged from stalwart establishments that became the foundations of many communities, through to places with a reputation for being a ‘madhouse’ and full of ‘colourful’ characters.
Such is the ecosystem of a local pub, right? We’ve all tales of someone walking up offering advice on the fruit machines, even if we didn’t need it...
From classics to controversial picks - here are the 13 pubs and bars loved and lost, and dearly missed by many in the city.
1. The Duchess of York
Commonly known as the undisputed king of the Leeds live music scene, The Duchess is the most-missed venue on our list. Readers remembered it as a world-class institution that saw global rock legends grace its small stage before they hit superstardom. It wasn’t just a pub; it was the sweat-soaked heart of the city’s alternative culture. | YPN
2. Harehills
A Harehills titan, the Fforde Grene was mentioned by locals as much for its "drama" as its scale. Known for hosting massive nights and legendary live music sets, this landmark pub was a community anchor. Its absence leaves a significant hole in the North Leeds social map. | Tony Johnson
3. The Chained Bull
This Moortown heavyweight was a true neighbourhood landmark. Readers spoke of it as a reliable, high-volume local where everyone had a story to tell. Whether it was a quick pint or a full weekend session, the "Bull" remains one of the most frequently cited losses in the area. | Local Library
4. The Middleton Arms
For many in South Leeds, this was the beating heart of the community. Described by locals as a "great boozer" that served the estate with pride, its closure marked the end of an era for Middleton. It is sorely missed by the regulars who considered it a second home. | YPN
5. The Precinct
A city-centre staple that acted as the unofficial starting point for a thousand nights out. Whether you were meeting friends before a crawl or stopping in for a midday break, The Precinct was a high-traffic favourite that defined a specific era of Leeds city-centre drinking. | Local Library
6. Big Lil’s
Mentioned with a lot of "high-energy" nostalgia, Big Lil’s, originally on The Headrow, was famous for its wild atmosphere and late-night vibes. Readers remembered it as a place where you were guaranteed a memorable - if slightly chaotic - night out, making it one of the most colourful entries on the list. | National World